By Martin Graham
Morocco has officially been named champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) annulled the original outcome of the final against Senegal. The governing body ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, awarding a 3-0 result in Morocco’s favour.
The final, played on 18 January, had initially ended in a 1-0 victory for Senegal after extra time. However, the match became highly contentious when Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch in protest after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to the hosts with the score still level.
CAF’s appeal board later determined that Senegal’s actions breached tournament regulations. According to Article 82, a team that refuses to continue playing or exits the field without permission is deemed to have lost, while Article 84 states that such a violation results in a 3-0 defeat and elimination.
Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) had submitted an appeal, which CAF confirmed was valid and upheld. The organisation stressed that Senegal’s conduct triggered the disciplinary measures outlined in the rules, leading to the reversal of the result.
Controversy on the pitch and dramatic finish
The turning point came deep into added time with the score at 0-0, when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after consulting VAR over a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. The decision followed an earlier moment that had already angered Senegal, when a goal from Ismaila Sarr was disallowed.
In response, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field in protest, though Sadio Mane remained and attempted to persuade his team-mates to continue. After a delay of around 17 minutes, the players eventually returned to resume the match.
Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but saw his Panenka attempt easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The referee then signalled the end of normal time, sending the game into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure what initially appeared to be Senegal’s second title in five years.
The match concluded amid tension and criticism, with Morocco coach Walid Regragui describing Senegal’s actions as disgraceful. Fifa president Gianni Infantino also condemned the scenes, calling them unacceptable.
Reactions and aftermath of CAF decision
Following CAF’s ruling, the Senegalese Football Federation strongly rejected the verdict and confirmed plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The federation described the decision as unfair, unprecedented and damaging to African football’s reputation.
Morocco’s federation stated that its appeal was not intended to question the sporting efforts of either side but rather to ensure that the competition’s rules were correctly enforced. It reiterated its commitment to fairness, clarity and stability in African football competitions.
Despite the official reversal, the emotional impact of the original result remains. Senegal players had celebrated their victory publicly, including a parade with the trophy, and footage of those celebrations circulated online.
Observers noted that while the official record has changed, the events witnessed on the pitch — including the final minutes and Senegal lifting the trophy — cannot be undone. Meanwhile, Thiaw later admitted that his decision to withdraw the team was made in the heat of the moment.
In the weeks after the tournament, Morocco parted ways with head coach Walid Regragui, with the decision coming on 5 March, months before the upcoming World Cup.
